Nerve repulsion by the lens and cornea during cornea innervation is dependent on Robo-Slit signaling and diminishes with neuron age

► Robo-Slit nerve guidance family instruct trigeminal nerves during cornea innervation. ► Slit1-3 expressed consistently in cornea and lens throughout cornea innervation. ► Robo1 expression is dynamic in trigeminal neurons, declining with age. ► Young trigeminal nerves are repelled by lens and cornea, dependent on Robo-Slit. ► Molecular changes in older nerves, including Robo1 decline, allow cornea innervation.